4. Steve Austin vs. Dude Love (Over The Edge 1998)
Over The Edge 1998 was smack bang in the middle of the ongoing Mr. McMahon vs. Steve Austin feud. Of course, the rivalry would prove so hot that it continued for a long time afterwards, but this Pay-Per-View felt like a big moment. The opening video package for the show set the tone, with a military feel and comments saying that Austin "must conform" to the system. Immediately, fans were behind 'The Rattlesnake'. He was defending his WWF Heavyweight Title against Mick Foley, in the role of Dude Love. Sucking up to McMahon in the weeks prior to the bout, Foley's performances were as crucial as anyone's to the success of the title showdown. McMahon himself was the Special Guest Referee, whilst Pat Patterson was the ring announcer and Gerald Brisco was the guest timekeeper. The odds were obviously stacked against Austin, which is exactly what made it all so thrilling. The Undertaker came to ringside, looking to even the score a little. Interference aplenty made the match utterly captivating. The ongoing tension between Vince and Austin made things all the better. This match is an under-rated classic.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
